REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
April 4, 2000
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on April 4, 2000 at 9:00 a.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:
Chairman Wilbur Dean
Vice Chairman Sammy Yearty
Comm. Don Foley
Comm. Frank Davis
Comm. Lilly Rooks
Also present were:
County Attorney - Gregory V. Beauchamp
Clerk of Court - Douglas M. McKoy
County Administrator - William C. Cobb
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.. The invocation was given by Mr. C. W. Gilbert followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
EXPENDITURES
Comm. Foley moved to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
FUND AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBERS: 24170-24378
GENERAL FUND $656,344.46
ROAD & BRIDGE FUND 147,868.08
LIBRARY 10,374.50
PERMANENT MOSQUITO CONTROL 1,205.50
MEDIATION 100.00
COURT SERVICES 7,236.19
E911 COMMUNICATIONS 5,601.71
LANDFILL & RECYCLING 6,054.36
COURT FACILITIES 344.50
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 9,386.88
SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 6,570.70
JUVENILE JUSTICE 1,572.45
UTILITIES FUND 2,077.53
CDBG GRANT 3,755.83
TOTAL $858,492.69
MINUTES
Comm. Davis moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 21, 2000. Comm. Foley seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
BIDS
Ms. Heather Alexander opened the bids received from the following vendors for leachate hauling:
Morris Dean Trucking $145.00 per 6,000 gallon load
to Williston;
$165.00 per 6,000 gallon load
to Gainesville.
Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) $125.00 per 6,000 gallon load
Chairman Dean appointed Mr. Wayne Hardee, Mr. Billy Cobb, Mr. Greg Beauchamp and Comm. Foley to review the bids and report on their findings.
AGENCIES
Mr. Lannie Cardona explained the Levy County Development Authority (LCDA) and the Economic Development Council (EDC) have drafted new Articles of Incorporation and By-laws for combining the organizations and are recommending Nature Coast Business Development Council as the new name. Mr. Cardona said this will allow a geographic perspective of the West Coast of Florida to enhance marketing prospects.
Mr. Cardona said a recommendation to have an eleven member Board consisting of five (5) members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the remaining six (6) members to be selected by board members when a vacancy exists. Comm. Davis moved to approve a board of eleven (11) members consisting of five (5) members to be appointed by the BOCC and six (6) appointed by board members and to approve the name of Nature Coast Business Development Council. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Cardona said the inventory of the Visit Florida locations has been amended to include Kitty Lane Boat Ramp for a total of 67 sites to complete the eligibility requirements for the grant application. Mr. Cardona explained the inventory may be amended when new property is accessible to the public.
ROADS, COUNTY
Mr. Charles Green of Cedar Key thanked the Road Department and the BOCC for the professional road work completed near his home.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Ms. Heather Alexander presented the interlocal agreements to perform building code enforcement services for the Town of Bronson, Town of Inglis, and the Town of Yankeetown. Comm. Rooks moved to approve the interlocal agreements. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Ms. Alexander presented the interlocal agreements for providing a landfill and a means of collection and disposal of garbage and for providing ambulance and emergency medical services have been received from the Town of Yankeetown, City of Chiefland, City of Cedar Key, Town of Bronson, City of Fanning Springs, City of Williston, and the Town of Inglis. Comm. Davis moved to approve the interlocal agreements. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
MUNICIPALITIES
Chairman Dean said the City of Chiefland has requested discussions on a conceptual plan for a multi-services complex suitable for emergency services support facilities. Chairman Dean requested Comm. Foley, Mr. Bill Beddow, and Mr. Billy Cobb to meet with officials of the City of Chiefland to discuss long range plans.
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Mr. Rob Corbitt presented a draft proposal to address areas of development lacking infrastructure. Mr. Corbitt explained the proposal outlines stabilization requirements for easements and dedicated right of ways in vested surveys, large tract divisions not presently defined as subdivisions, recorded unrecorded subdivisions and recorded subdivisions with no roads or unimproved roads. Mr. Corbitt responded prior to the issuance of a permit the policy would require clearing and grubbing with a 22 feet wide easement with suitable clay or limerock mixed to a depth of 12 inches and mechanically compacted to a desirable smoothness. Mr. Corbitt said the applicant would be responsible for improving the road from the last site a permit was issued. Mr. Corbitt said a disclaimer is mailed to every property owner notifying them the county is not responsible for the maintenance of unimproved roads when a permit is issued. Mr. Corbitt added the plat review committee recommends the time to have a road stabilized for ingress and egress is at the time the permit is applied for. Comm. Yearty moved to adopt the proposed policy for stabilization of roads subject to review and amendment when necessary. Comm. Foley seconded. Chairman Dean, after discussion, advised the Road Department would be responsible for determining the proper stabilization of a road based on this policy and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Yearty requested Mr. Greg Beauchamp to prepare a notice to be presented to property owners when they obtain a building permit and the Notice of Commencement is issued outlining the proper procedures for recording the Notice of Commencement.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Mr. Justin Watson presented a request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis at:
N. E. 82nd Place located in University Estates, requiring three (3) loads of lime rock and grading with dedicated right of way.
Comm. Rooks moved to approve the request for maintenance on a one (1) time basis. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Watson recommended accepting the recently paved N.E. 105th Avenue, N.E. 75th Street and N. E. 104th Court into the maintenance system. Comm. Rooks moved to accept the roads into the maintenance system. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Dean advised the Road Department is working on obtaining deeded right of ways for a 7/10 of a mile section of road connecting Five Oaks Subdivision and University Oaks Subdivision near Aztec Acres Subdivision from US 27A to SR 24.
LANDFILL
Mr. Wayne Hardee presented an amended Waste Tire Recycling Service Agreement with Florida Tire Recycling, Inc. previously approved for a per load removal of $900.00. Mr. Hardee said the amended agreement has an increase to $1,100.00 per load removal. Mr. Hardee recommended accepting the amended contract indicating they are the major tire recycler in North Florida and he is not aware of any other companies offering this service. Comm. Yearty moved to approve the amended contract with Florida Tire Recycling, Inc. based on the information that there are no other companies to provide the service and the cost per load is still within the costs recouped. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Dean advised a complaint has been received from GRU concerning the ammonia levels in the leachate tanks. Chairman Dean informed Mr. Hardee if the cost for leachate disposal increases due to this problem aerators will need to be installed to reduce the ammonia.
LIBRARY
Mr. Larry White reported the legislature will be passing a bill to require Sunday hours at public libraries with a minimum of twenty (20) locations. Mr. White said this will not affect our library system.
Mr. White advised another installment of $57,000.00 has been received as a result of state and federal funding for initializing our own library system and a remainder of approximately $70,000.00 will still be forthcoming.
Mr. White read a proclamation declaring April 9, 2000 thru April 15, 2000 as National Library Week. Comm. Yearty moved to adopt the proclamation for National Library Week. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. White extended an invitation to all commissioners to visit the staff and patrons of the libraries next week during National Library Week.
PLANNING, COUNTY
Ms. Krista Kelly presented a resolution requesting membership in the Florida Sustainable Communities Network administered by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to allow for the exchange of information, providing free technical assistance and free software to promote a sustainable community through nurturing economic, environmental and social well-being of all citizens at no cost for the membership. Comm. Yearty moved to adopt the resolution and become a member of the Florida Sustainable Communities Network. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Rooks inquired if a response had been received from DCA on the Bert Harris Act. Ms. Kelly said a position has not been established by the state and a response has not been received from DCA.
Chairman Dean requested Ms. Kelly to review riparian rights for the submerged lands in the coastal area and the position of DCA.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Mrs. Paula Lane advised the American Red Cross will be sponsoring training classes on April 15, 2000 for Introduction to Disaster and Mass Care and on May 13, 2000 Shelter Operation and Shelter Simulation at the Emergency Operations Center. Mrs. Lane added that if a volunteer participates in all four (4) classes the Red Cross will offer a CPR course.
SHERIFF
Major Bobby McCallum presented for consideration medical bills for treat an inmate received while in custody in the amount of $12,305.25. Major McCallum said the Sheriff’s Office has already expended $10,000.00 for medical bills for this inmate. Comm. Rooks moved to pay the medical bills submitted. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
TAX COLLECTOR
Mr. Billy Cobb presented a Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment submitted by:
Garrison Curtis and Merron Trennon of 12851 N. E. 70th Street, Williston, amending the assessment from three (3) units to one (1) unit, with two (2) mobile homes being removed previously from the property.
Comm. Yearty moved to approve the Certificate of Correction of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Cobb advised construction will be commencing on the radio tower and quotes have been obtained to dismantle the old communications tower located at the Road Department. Mr. Cobb said the low quote of $5,000.00 was received from Baker Communications and only two (2) companies were willing to remove the tower. Comm. Foley moved to contract with Baker Communications to remove the tower for $5,000.00. Comm. Davis seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCES
Comm. Rooks presented a proposed ordinance for a no wake area in the Daugherty Bayou to be discussed at a public hearing. Comm. Rooks explained the proposed ordinance would have designations for speed zones and a decision would be needed for placement of signs. Mr. Charles Green requested the signs to be placed at each end of the bayou. Comm. Rooks moved to authorize the attorney to draft a proposed ordinance and advertise for a public hearing for placement of speed zones in Daugherty Bayou. Comm. Davis seconded. Chairman Dean said a concern was what entity is responsible for placement of speed zones in the coastal areas as the Florida Wildlife Commission installed speed zones and channel markers in the Withlacoochee River. Comm. Yearty explained his concern on the involvement with submerged lands claimed by the state and control may be with the Florida Wildlife Commission, Coast Guard or a Water Management District. Comm. Rooks voted YES and Comm. Yearty, Comm. Davis, Comm. Foley and Chairman Dean voted NO and the MOTION FAILED.
Comm. Yearty said if the county is responsible then a budget should be prepared to install channel markers, signs and the equipment to keep it all in repair but past experience has shown various state agencies control what and where areas of control are placed. Chairman Dean requested Mr. Greg Beauchamp to research the issue and to provide an opinion for review.
Comm. Rooks presented a draft ordinance granting an additional $25,000.00 homestead exemption to senior citizens providing established eligibility criteria are met. Comm. Rooks explained 61 percent of the voters supported Amendment V and recommends action being taken to institute the ordinance. Comm. Rooks moved to draft an ordinance establishing the additional $25,000.00 homestead exemption and advertising for public hearing for discussion on the implementation of the ordinance and establishing the criteria to be met for the additional exemption. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
Comm. Yearty expressed concern of the lack of research to determine the impact the implementation of the additional exemption would have and what procedure would be used to establish eligibility requirements. Mr. Francis Akins advised the Property Appraiser’s office does not obtain data of the age or income of the property owner. Mr. Douglas McKoy indicated if social security income is discounted there could be a considerable impact on the ad valorem assessment. Comm. Davis requested an estimate of the impact to the tax roll in order to make an informed decision.
AGENCIES
Ms. Mary Kay Cariseo, Executive Director of the Florida Counties Foundation for the Florida Association of Counties advised, Levy County has been selected as a pilot for the rural economic initiative grant to promote tourism in the tri-county area. Ms. Cariseo said Mr. Jim Brantley will be the Economic Development representative and the Foundation will broker professional services, marketing, grant writing as some of the services to improve the rural infrastructure.
Ms. Cariseo explained discussions are currently being held with the sponsors of Article V, funding of the court system and recommends continuous contact with the legislative delegation to express the needs of the county by retaining funds for local needs and the state to assume the burdensome costs of the judicial system.
Ms. Cariseo said small and medium counties need to contact their legislative delegation concerning the loss of additional county revenue from the cigarette tax.
Ms. Cariseo added the Foundation has been working with the Department of Revenue on Amendment V for the additional homestead exemption to try and determine estimates of the impact to counties who implement the amendment. Ms. Cariseo said Mr Bob McKee is available to provide additional information on the amendment.
TAX COLLECTOR
Mr. Greg Beauchamp presented the List of Lands Available For Taxes from the tax deed sale of March 27, 2000 provided by Mrs. Patty L. Galyean, Deputy Clerk.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Beauchamp reported the committee has reviewed the bids submitted for the leachate hauling and is recommending a postponement of the decision until additional information may be obtained from GRU. Mr. Beauchamp said two (2) haulers have been utilized in the past at the same rates and the bids submitted for the current contract has a low bidder and it needs to be determined if the low bidder can handle hauling the necessary loads. Comm. Foley moved to table acceptance of the leachate bids pending additional review. Comm. Davis seconded. Comm. Dean declared a conflict of interest stating he has no financial interest but is related to one of the bidders and the MOTION CARRIED.
ROADS, COUNTY
Comm. Foley moved to place 2.2 miles of LCR 339A on the paving list. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Mr. McKoy recommended adopting a policy for employees who are provided a county vehicle acceptable to the Internal Revenue Service based on the recommendation of the county financial auditor. Chairman Dean requested Mr. Beauchamp to review the request and to provide a response on his findings.
STATE AGENCIES
Ms. Alexander advised the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will hold a public workshop on Tuesday, May 9, 2000 to present the amended land use plan for the Fanning Springs State Recreation Area.
MUNICIPALITIES
Ms. Alexander advised the City of Williston will have its 24th Annual Independence Day Celebration on Monday, July 3, 2000 with the parade beginning at 5:30PM.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Comm. Yearty expressed concern on the vacancy for an Administrative Assistant II posted by the Road Department and requested a review of the starting salary by the Personnel Committee. Comm. Yearty moved to table the hiring of the position pending a review of the salary and qualifications by the Personnel Committee. Comm. Rooks seconded. Mr. Watson explained the notice was posted five (5) days in house in compliance with the union agreement to allow current employees to apply for the position.
VETERAN’S OFFICE
Chairman Dean opened the interviews for the Veteran’s Service Officer.
Mr. Cobb explained the three (3) applicants have indicated veteran’s preferences on the applications and an applicant with a service connected disability is entitled to higher ranking in the selection process.
Chairman Dean advised the ranking for the applicants would be written on a ballot and made a part of the record for the selection process. Chairman Dean recognized Mrs. Adreinne Snyder for the first interview. Mrs. Snyder advised she is retired from the military with a service related disability and has a bachelor’s degree in education and believed she was qualified to assist veterans with any claims or problems they encounter based on her previous military experience.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Chairman Dean readdressed the issue of the Administrative Assistant II position with the Road Department and asked for the committee’s recommendation. Comm. Foley said the recommendation was to repost the position with a pay scale from $8.50 per hour to $11.00 per hour based on the qualifications of the applicants.
VETERAN’S OFFICE
Chairman Dean introduced Mr. Major Stroupe, applicant for the Veteran’s Service Officer position. Mr. Stroupe advised he was retired military and felt his past military experience would allow him to assist veteran’s in need of assistance.
Chairman Dean introduced Mr. James Collins, applicant for the Veteran’s Service Officer position. Mr. Collins explained he was currently attending the University of Florida to obtain his bachelor’s degree in Business Finance and would graduate in August, 2000. Mr. Collins said his prior military service would be of value in assisting veterans and as a disabled veteran he is aware of the problems veteran’s encounter from working with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and would be able to provide assistance to the veteran’s and their families. Mr. Collins advised he would be available all day three (3) days a week and part time the other two (2) days until August, 2000.
Mr. Cobb explained the certification as Veteran’s Service Officer requires attending a conference for one (1) week beginning May 5th and possibly to St. Petersburg for one week of additional training.
Chairman Dean asked for a written vote for the applicants:
First Vote: 1 - Snyder; 2 - Stroupe; 2 - Collins
Second Vote: 3 - Stroupe; 2 - Collins
Mr. Cobb advised he would inform the applicants of the decision and advise Mr. Collins that there was concern that he could not be present full time.
MISCELLANEOUS
Chairman Dean advised he had been contacted concerning a fence being installed on the Waccassa Flats. Mr. Cobb said the owner is allowed to fence the area as it is not a navigated area. Mr. Cobb added the Suwannee River Water Management District will be discussing the future of the area.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Wilbur Dean, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court